Device-Type Access Control Masks for MTC Network Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of machine-type communication (MTC) devices in mobile communication networks leads to congestion on the random access channel (RACH), causing contention and reduced throughput, as MTC devices contend with non-MTC devices for access resources, necessitating new access control procedures to manage network load effectively.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a type-dependent access control method using access classes and masks to independently control network access by MTC and non-MTC devices, where base stations transmit access control masks to wireless terminals, allowing or barring access to specific classes based on device type, thereby managing resource allocation and reducing contention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If MTC devices are allowed to access the network freely, then the network can support a large volume of MTC devices, but the RACH becomes congested and throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of MTC devicesVSAvoidRACH throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the access control mechanism by introducing device-type-specific access control masks for MTC and non-MTC devices. This segmentation allows the network to differentiate between device types and apply appropriate access control parameters to each, preventing MTC devices from overwhelming the RACH while maintaining network accessibility for both device types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If access control is implemented to reduce contention, then RACH throughput is improved, but network access control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRACH throughputVSAvoidaccess control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies partial action by implementing access control selectively based on device type. Instead of applying uniform access control to all devices, the system applies specific access control masks only to MTC devices, which are the primary source of RACH congestion. This partial application of access control reduces the overall complexity while still achieving the goal of improving RACH throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If device-type-specific access control masks are used, then resource allocation is optimized, but the complexity of access control management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidaccess control management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameter of access control by introducing device-type-specific access control masks with different barring factors and parameters for MTC and non-MTC devices. This parameter differentiation allows the network to optimize resource allocation by applying appropriate access control strictness to each device type, while the parameterized approach keeps management complexity manageable through standardized mask structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3425962B1Access control for machine-type communication devices

Publication Date: 2021.05.05 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

A device type-dependent approach to access control is used to independently control network access by machine-type communication (MTC) and non-MTC devices. A plurality of access classes are defined for each device type. The base station selectively controls access to the network by each device type by sending an access control mask for each defined device type to the wireless terminals within the network.